Hi,
I've just started painting my Varangians and can't help noticing the massive axes they are depicted with/said to have had. The army list do not reflect this however. Can I ask why?
Sorry if this is a noob question. ::)
Cavi
Varangians in BYzantine service (which I assume is what you are asking about) get 2HCC from the Komnenan list onwards which is when they appear to have used it - possibly linked to the influx of English refugees employed following the Norman invasion of England.
Dang, it's like he knows this stuff off the top of his head. I'm going to randomly pick a troop from some obscure army and ask, "Why?" And everyone gets to place bets on how long it will take to get an answer. ;D
The army lists are generated from a database. It holds over 1000 troop types, many are generic (a skirmishing javelinmen) but many are specific (such as an Agrianian javelinmen in Alexander the Great's or Paeonian army). We don't just make this stuff up (although it sometimes feels like it!). :)
Richard